ECHL Utah Grizzlies

Gutsy Grizzlies Grind out 6-5 Win Over Bakersfield

December 30, 2011 - ECHL (ECHL)
Utah Grizzlies News Release


West Valley City, Utah - The Utah Grizzlies (15-12-0-3) defeated the Bakersfield Condors (7-22-3-0) 6-5 Friday night at Maverik Center before 4,310 fans.

The shorthanded story continued for Utah, who had just eight forwards and four defensemen in the contest against a full-strength Bakersfield group.

"We played as five-man units and that's the only way you're going to win," said Head Coach Kevin Colley. "You have to support one another and your intensity and passion for the game have to elevate and today they willed themselves to a win and that's what it's all about; the love for the game and doing what it takes to win."

The Grizzlies took the first 10 shots of the night and Bryan Cameron (6,7) scored two goals 99 seconds apart as Utah built a 2-0 lead 5:09 into the first period.

The Condors roared back with four-straight to gain a 4-2 lead early in the second period.

"It was a good start, we needed it, we were shooting pucks and they didn't have any at one point," said Bryan Cameron. "The boys were just getting the Christmas legs out and we got it going in the second and third."

Utah then scored three-straight in a 3:07 span to take a 5-4 lead as Logan MacMillan (2), Mike Adamek (1) and Paul McIlveen (12) all scored on second efforts from 9:29 to 12:36 of the period. The Condors tied the game with a power-play goal with 13 seconds left in the second period.

Utah took a 6-5 lead on a power-play goal from captain Nick Tuzzolino (3) 3:38 into the third period. Goaltender Shane Owen stopped all 14 shots he saw the rest of the way to earn Utah the win.

10 of Utah's 12 skaters scored in the game, including Cameron (two goals, one assist), McIlveen (one goal, two assists), MacMillan (one goal, one assist) and Nick Tuzzolino (one goal, one assist) who all had multiple-points in the win.

The Grizzlies and Condors meet again Saturday for a special 6 p.m. New Year's Eve start at Maverik Center. The game will feature $1 food and $2 drink specials in addition to a free post-game skate. Skate rental is $2.

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ECHL Stories from December 30, 2011


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